Raisi: Iran 'never has hope' in Vienna talks Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has struck a pessimistic tone commenting on the nuclear talks between Iran and world powers. Iran
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
Saudi Arabia building support for Expo 2030 bid The kingdom wants to host the international cultural forum, which is currently being held in Dubai. News Brief
Saudi IT industry to work with German software firm SAP on cloud technology The memorandum of understanding is the latest to come out of the LEAP technology forum in Riyadh, and reflects the kingdom’s diversification efforts. News Brief
UN Yemen envoy calls for investigation after strikes kill civilians The United Nations said 11 civilians were killed in airstrikes Wednesday in al-Jawf province in northern Yemen. Yemen
Intel: Pompeo thanks Qatar for facilitating Afghanistan peace talks Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for agreeing to host peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Qatar
Intel: White House sympathizes with France in Libya row with Turkey White House National Security adviser Robert O’Brien on Wednesday expressed sympathy for France’s account of events in a Mediterranean naval standoff with Turkey last month over a Libyan arms smuggling allegation. Turkey
Jordanian court dissolves Muslim Brotherhood branch The organization said it would appeal the decision by Jordan's highest court. Jordan
Iraq to reopen airports this month The country is still registering around 2,000 COVID-19 cases per day, close to its highest-ever daily toll. Iraq
Seven security forces dead after plane crash in eastern Turkey The plane was conducting a surveillance mission in the Van province, but its exact mission is unclear. Turkey
Jordan plans to open schools in September amid successes limiting coronavirus spread Thanks in large part to the March closures of schools and universities and the rapid response by the Jordanian government to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Jordan is now cautiously reopening education in the kingdom. Jordan
Islamic State recruit Shamima Begum can return to UK to appeal citizenship removal, court rules The Court of Appeal said Begum, who is currently detained in Syria, should be allowed to return to her home country to fight the UK’s decision to revoke her British citizenship. Syria
Jordan's international airport to reopen in August Jordan has had relatively few COVID-19 cases, but some citizens are upset at the damage to the economy during the pandemic and accompanying restrictions. Jordan
Tunisia PM's resignation sparks new political crisis Prior to stepping down, Elyes Fakhfakh was under investigation for conflict of interest violations. Tunisia
Intel: Democrats seek path for Biden to close Guantanamo Bay after obstructing Obama After years of obstructing Barack Obama’s efforts to close Guantanamo Bay when he was president, House Democrats have reversed course and are quietly trying to clear the way for Joe Biden to close the notorious detention facility should he win the presidential election in November. Congress
Saudi Arabia permanently cancels license of Qatar's beIN Sports The popular Doha-based sports network had been officially blocked in Saudi Arabia since the 2017 diplomatic row between the two Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia
